Blues Image
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 in Miami, Florida, United States |
| Founder | Mike Pinera, Manuel "Manny" Bertematti, Joe Lala, Emilio Garcia, Malcolm Jones |
| Fate | Disbanded after May 1970 |
| Headquarters | Miami , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Blues Image was a rock group from the United States, best recognized for their 1970 single "Ride Captain Ride", which climbed to No. 4 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian RPM listings.
Career
Originating in Miami, Florida in 1966, Blues Image was created by vocalist and guitarist Mike Pinera, vocalist and drummer Manuel "Manny" Bertematti, vocalist and percussionist Joe Lala, keyboardist Emilio Garcia, and bassist Malcolm Jones. After Garcia's departure, keyboardist Frank "Skip" Konte joined the lineup. The band played a pivotal role in founding Thee Image, a groundbreaking Miami music spot where they performed as the resident band alongside renowned acts such as Cream and Grateful Dead.
Following their move to Los Angeles, Blues Image secured a contract with Atco Records and launched their first album in February 1969. Their sophomore release, Open (April 1970), included the million-selling hit "Ride Captain Ride", co-written by Pinera and Konte, featuring guitar contributions from Kent Henry. This album was awarded a gold certification by the R.I.A.A. in August 1970. However, this remained their sole significant chart achievement.
During the production of Open, Pinera departed to join Iron Butterfly, with Henry stepping in as guitarist and Denny Correll assuming lead vocal duties. The group disbanded after issuing their third album, Red White & Blues Image, in May 1970.
Following the band's dissolution, members embarked on distinguished musical paths: Bertematti became part of New Cactus Band and toured with Iron Butterfly; Pinera collaborated with Iron Butterfly, New Cactus Band, Ramatam, and Alice Cooper; Konte joined Three Dog Night; Lala contributed to projects by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Manassas; Henry served as lead guitarist for Steppenwolf.
Correll pursued a career in contemporary Christian music (CCM), releasing popular albums and singles during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Gary Dunham, who toured with Blues Image's last formation, also transitioned into CCM. Pinera produced solo works including In the Garden of Eden.
Noteworthy passings among former members include Kent Henry (2009), Joe Lala (2014), and Mike Pinera (2024).
Blues Image is featured performing "Ride Captain Ride" in the 1971 motion picture Dusty and Sweets McGee.
Personnel
- Manuel "Manny" Bertematti – drums, vocals (1966–1970)
- Joe Lala – percussion, vocals (1966–1970; died 2014)
- Malcolm Jones – bass (1966–1970)
- Mike Pinera – guitar, vocals (1966–1969; died 2024)
- Emilio Garcia – keyboards (1966–1967)
- Frank "Skip" Konte – keyboards (1967–1970)
- Denny Correll – vocals (1970; died 2002)
- Kent Henry – guitar (1970; died 2009)
- Michael Franklin
- Tim Franklin
- Bill Britton – guitar (1967–1969)
- Oscar Vildosola – drums (1970)
Albums
| Year | Album | US 200 |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Blues Image | 112 |
| 1970 | Open | 147 |
| Red White & Blues Image | — |
Compilation Albums
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Rhino Hi-Five: Blues Image |
Singles
| Year | Title | US Hot 100 | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | "Lay Your Sweet Love on Me" | — | — | — |
| 1970 | "Ride Captain Ride" | 4 | 23 | 4 |
| "Gas Lamps and Clay" | 81 | 58 | 88 | |
| 1971 | "Rise Up" | — | — | — |